Bedford Borough Council has repeated its warnings not to put old batteries and vapes in ordinary household bins following a fire at a materials recovery depot in Elstow last year.
Household batteries can be recycled from home, while retailers who sell vapes must legally provide a “take-back” service so they can be disposed of safely.
Locals can also take vapes to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane.
The warning comes after a fire broke out recently at the materials recovery depot in Elstow, just 12 months after a serious fire destroyed the facility, which is now in the early stages of rebuilding.
Read: Fire crews at Elstow waste site as controlled burn continues and A6 stays closed (From July 2025)
The most recent fire was spotted quickly and put out immediately, with no injuries reported.
“One small item can lead to a fire”
Instead of throwing old batteries and vapes directly into wheelie bins, Bedford Borough Council has asked locals to seal them in clear plastic bags and place them on top of black bins or orange-lidded recycling bins on collection day.
The collection crew will then place them into a separate container on their vehicle.
This is because batteries and vapes can ignite when damaged, crushed, or overheated inside collection vehicles and waste facilities, causing damage and putting waste collectors at risk.
Cllr Nicky Gribble (Independent, Renhold & Ravensden), who is the portfolio holder for environment, says even one small item can lead to a fire.
“This incident [in Elstow] is a stark reminder of the dangers caused by batteries and vapes being put in the wrong bin”, says cllr Gribble.
“Even one small item can lead to a fire, putting staff in danger, disrupting collections and damaging expensive waste infrastructure.
“National figures show this is a growing problem across the UK, and we are asking all residents to do their bit by recycling batteries and vapes correctly and never throwing them away with general waste or mixed recycling.”
Bedfordians can find further guidance on what can go in each bin at bedford.gov.uk/MyBins and details of the Household Waste Recycling Centre at bedford.gov.uk/HWRC.
